Week In Tech: Trump, Tubes and Trials

Posted by Kalim Hawkins on 22 December 2017

Ah, another year draws to a close, which means that tech news is awash with 2018 predications, 2017 successes (and failures, *cough* Uber *cough* Equifax), not to mention countless roundups of what that bearded bloke in red should get you Christmas… Yawn

Whilst the tech world may have gone to sleep, we’re on hand to give you the lowdown on the biggest stories of the week.

Think Ali vs Frazier, McGregor vs Mayweather and now, in the biggest fight of the week (in tech terms any) Amazon are planning to take on YouTube with its own offering dubbed, “Amazontube.”

If the name is anything to go by, YouTube probably don’t have much to worry about.

Amazon describes Amazontube or Opentube as providers of “non-downloadable pre-recorded audio, visual and audiovisual works via wireless networks.” It adds that the services would “enable users to share content, photos videos, text, data, images and other electronic works,” and goes on to list topics, ranging from gaming to dance, fashion and tech.

It all sounds like a video streaming service that relies on user uploads, much like YouTube. The name could land it in legal trouble with Google, according to TV Answer Man, but that can easily be tweaked if it ever sees the light of day.

Way back in 2012 Kevin Bacon gave us a comprehensive explanation of 4G – nearly 5 years on, it looks like he’ll have to do it all over again, as the march towards 5G mobile connectivity is building momentum following a pair of major developments this week.

Firstly, Vodafone and Ericsson have announced a successful test of “pre-standard” 5G speeds using the 3.5GHz radio spectrum. It bodes well that the tests were carried out in London, as Brits are hopeful to jump to fifth-gen speeds.

Secondly, Ofcom has won in High Court, fending off challenges from networks EE (and Kevin) and Three over the regulator’s plans for dishing out the 5G spectrum. This is great news for Brits as Ofcom plans to cap the spectrum in ways that’ll benefit multiple network competitors.

Reddit users have noticed that Apple appears to be slowing down old iPhones that have low-capacity batteries. While many iPhone users have experienced perceived slowdowns due to iOS updates over the years, it appears that there’s now proof Apple is throttling processor speeds when a battery capacity deteriorates over time.

When asked to comment on this revelation, Apple basically confirmed the findings, but disputed the intentions. Long story short, legacy devices have older lithium-ion batteries that become less capable, resulting in Apple releasing updates that makes the performance slower but increases battery life in the long run.

A big thanks to Leo Cosendai from Third Ear for bringing sound meditation & modern mindfulness to our office today. All the Octopedes who attended had an amazing experience. #WellnessDay https://t.co/Ic3mhGFw3W